Australia Mourns: ‘Shocking’ Death of Beloved TV and Radio Icon Alison Drower Leaves Colleagues and Fans Reeling
- Richard Wilkins leads tributes to his ‘wonderful’ former colleague, describing her as a ‘bright light’ in the industry
- Alison Drower, a pioneering news presenter, dies aged in her late 50s after a brave battle with a rare form of cancer
- Colleagues and friends pay heartfelt tribute to the trailblazing journalist, who inspired a generation of broadcasters
Australia’s media community is in shock following the devastating news that beloved TV and radio presenter Alison Drower has lost her courageous battle with a rare form of cancer. The veteran journalist, who was in her late 50s, passed away on Sunday at Canberra Hospital, leaving behind a legacy of inspiring countless colleagues and fans throughout her illustrious career.
Richard Wilkins, a longtime friend and former colleague, was among the first to pay tribute to the trailblazing presenter. “I am absolutely devastated to learn of the passing of the wonderful Alison Drower,” Wilkins wrote in a heartfelt Instagram post. “Ali and I and our small, fabulous, passionate team had the honour and unbridled joy of creating the first international affiliate of MTV in the late 80s.”
Wilkins fondly remembered Drower’s “voice, smile” and “wry sense of humour,” and revealed that the pair had always made a point to stay in touch, despite not seeing each other often. “Although I hadn’t seen Ali for years … we always traded birthday greetings and unsolicited compliments … which make me cry as I read them today,” he wrote.
ABC broadcaster Fiona Wyllie also paid a touching tribute to her dear friend, describing Drower as a mentor and inspiration to many. “Ali taught me like so many others what a good story is. What’s the lead? How to edit? and how to live life fully,” Wyllie said. “Ali helped so many get their start and their next step in news. It is with the heaviest of hearts this is the news.”
Sunrise sports presenter Mark Beretta echoed the sentiments of his colleagues, describing Drower as “a wonderful and gifted broadcaster” and the news of her passing as “shocking.” Drower is survived by her husband Rick Bates, a well-known rally driver, and their son Zach.
As the news of Drower’s passing sends shockwaves throughout the industry, her colleagues and fans will remember her as a bright light, whose passion, dedication, and generosity of spirit inspired a generation of broadcasters. Her legacy will live on, and her memory will be cherished by all who knew her.